The tiny island of Cayo Santa Maria is one of Cuba's best kept secrets. Located in the Atlantic Ocean to the north of Cuba, Cayo Santa Maria is just 8 miles long and a mile and a half wide, about a third of the size of the Isle of Wight. Cayo Santa Maria is part of the Jardines del Rey Archipelago which translates as Gardens of the King. A thirty mile long causeway, that took nearly ten years to build in the late 1990's, joins the island to the mainland and to the islands of Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos.A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is blessed with beautiful pristine beaches, waters that are as warm as bath water and an amazing rugged interior brimming with nature.In the north of the island you will find hotels and nearly ten miles of beautiful secluded beaches backed by sand dunes and lush mangroves. Here you can sunbathe or take a swim in the crystal clear calm waters. As you relax and soak up the glorious sunshine pink flamingos will look-out at you from the surrounding greenery and pelicans will swoop down to catch fish in the sea. Take a boat trip further out to sea and you will see colourful fish swimming among the coral reefs and may even be lucky enough to see some turtles or dolphins. The coral reefs here are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. The island has a 'clothing optional' beach for naturists which is located at the west end of the hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria beach.